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Alzheimer’s

6 Natural Remedies For Dementia With Dietary Supplements

Aug 26, 2016

As you get older, you might find that you have more trouble remembering, making decisions and understanding information. While this is a normal part of ageing, severe cognitive difficulties might mean that you have dementia. Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive function caused by certain diseases or conditions that affect your brain such as Alzheimer’s disease or nutritional deficiencies. Finding out what’s causing dementia and how natural remedies for dementia might help stop your symptoms.

 Keep in mind that reversing dementia might be possible through natural remedies.

Symptoms Of Dementia

Dementia symptoms can be severe enough to affect your everyday life and your interpersonal relationships. Some common symptoms of dementia include:

  • Memory loss
  • Trouble communicating with others
  • Trouble understanding information
  • Trouble reasoning
  • Confusion
  • Coordination problems
  • Personality changes
  • Agitation
  • Depression and/or anxiety

 Natural Remedies For Dementia : Dietary Supplements

Certain dietary supplements have shown some benefit in improving cognitive function and slowing the effects of dementia. If you plan on taking these supplements, let your doctor know first. Your doctor can advise you on safe dosages or potential interactions with medications or other supplements.

Brahmi Or Bacopa Monnieri

This herb has been associated with improvements in cognition. A 2006 study showed that 125 mg of Brahmi taken twice a day for 12 weeks improved memory in adults with age-associated memory impairment.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These healthy fats have been linked to cognitive benefits and improved brain health. Studies have shown that taking 1,700 mg DHA and 600 mg EPA helps ease brain inflammation, which helps slow dementia. Omega-3 is certainly one of teh more popular options in natural remedies for dementia.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B deficiencies have been associated with cognitive decline. Taking 1000 mcg per day either alone or as part of a vitamin B complex helps lower homocysteine levels, which might help improve symptoms of dementia.

Vitamin D

Studies have shown a link between low vitamin D levels and a higher risk of dementia. Dosages of 1000-5000IU a day might have a positive effect on cognition.

Vitamin E

Low levels of vitamin E have been linked to memory problems. Using 400 to 700 IU each day might produce beneficial results for improving memory. A 2014 study showed that taking 2000 IU per day slowed cognitive decline in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. For the best results, use supplements with alpha-tocopherol, which is vitamin E in its natural form.

Zinc 

Low levels of zinc have been linked to a higher risk of dementia. Taking 25 to 30 mg of zinc per day might lead to improved cognition. Keep in mind that taking higher amounts or using zinc for longer periods of time.

This health condition can often be so debilitating, not just on the individual but on the family as well. It So it helps to remember all of us have access to a vast array of natural remedies for dementia.

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References:

1. Raghav, S. et al. Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment. Indian Journal of Psychiatry 2006 Oct;48(4):238-42.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20703343

2.Freudn-Levi, Y. et al. Omega-3 fatty acid treatment in 174 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease: OmegAD study: a randomized double-blind trial. Archives of Neurology 2006 Oct; 63(10): 1402-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17030655

3.Agarwal, R. Vitamin B12 deficiency & cognitive impairment in elderly population. Indian Journal of Medical Research 2011 Oct; 134(4):410-412. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3237236/

4.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet. 2016. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/

5.Littlejohns, TJ et al. Vitamin D and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease. Neurology 2014 Sep 2;83(10):920-928. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4153851/

6.Ross, AC et al. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium. 2011. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56061/

7.Dysken, MW et al. Effect of Vitamin E and Memantine on Functional Decline in Alzheimer Disease. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2014 Jan 1; 311(1): 33-44. http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx

8.Brewer, GJ. Alzheimer’s disease causation by copper toxicity and treatment with zinc. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2014 May 16. http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnagi.2014.00092/full

9.http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/dxc-20198504

10.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061010022602.htm

11.http://www.rhodeislandhospital.org/services/alzheimers/memory-disorders/diet-and-dementia-toxic-preservatives-contribute-to-alzheimers-disease.html

12.http://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-foods-for-your-aging-brain-to-prevent-alzheimers-and-other-types-of-dementia/

13.http://www.johnshopkinshealthreview.com/issues/spring-summer-2016/articles/are-there-any-proven-benefits-to-fasting

14.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1064748113000651

15.http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/manage/ptc-20199100